PHTA Home

Reopening Guidance

Reopening Resources

Virtually all public aquatic facilities across the country have been closed by State Executive Order due to COVID-19. However, a number of states and local jurisdictions have - or are in the process of - issuing directives easing stay at home restrictions.

SEE THE LIST OF POOL REOPENINGS BY STATE

While we await these orders, pool owners, pool operators and pool management companies should:

  1. ensure that their facilities continue to be properly treated and maintained
  2. develop a plan for reopening
  3. start to develop a Compliance Plan, addressing the social distancing and cleaning requirements that are expected to be contained in new or amended State Orders and/or guidance from state or local entities

TIPS FOR MAINTAINING AND OPENING PUBLIC POOLS AND HOT TUBS

GETTING BACK TO BUSINESS FOR RETAILERS

Reopening any business or establishment in these times is not without some risk to staff and members/guests. Permission to open also does not necessarily mean that a given facility must or even should reopen. Each facility must decide whether opening under the specific constraints of a given order with continued guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is technically, logistically, and financially feasible. 

CDC posted guidance on operating and managing public pools, hot tubs, and water playgrounds during the pandemic for consideration if the authority having jurisdiction has determined public aquatic venues can open. This guidance is based on the data currently available on the SARS-CoV-2 virus and is expected to change over time as more is learned.

Swimming and other water-related activities are excellent ways to get the physical activity needed for a healthy life. If you are not sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, it is safe to use swimming pools as long as steps are taken to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

  • Practice social distancing by staying at least six feet (two meters) from others.
  • Avoid large gatherings of more than 10 people.
  • Keep your hands clean by washing hands with soap and water, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

Swimming does carry some health risks. Visit CDC’s Healthy Swimming website for information to help you prevent illness and drowning, while having fun and enjoying the health benefits of swimming.